PFRDA identifies 21 Banks as Makers of Excellence under Atal Pension Yojana Outreach Programme;The Number of Current APY subscribers crosses 86 Lacs mark

Ministry of Finance

PFRDA identifies 21 Banks as Makers of Excellence under Atal Pension Yojana Outreach Programme; The Number of Current APY subscribers crosses 86 Lacs mark.

15 FEB 2018

With a view to bring the economically disadvantaged section of the society in the unorganized sector within the pension fold or old age income security coverage, Government had launched the Atal Pension Yojana (APY)in May 2015.

Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) in association with Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance conducts APY Outreach Programme on a regular basis.
Accordingly, PFRDA has observed a Campaign namely, Makers of Excellence for the Chairmen and MDs of all the Public Sector Banks, Private Sector Banks, Regional Rural Banks, Cooperative Banks (Rural & Urban) & Department of Post for registration of subscriber under APY during the month of Dec 2017 for a fortnight. Under the campaign, nearly, 6 lacs APY accounts were sourced by the APY Service Provider Banks. Targets were allocated to various banks to be achieved during the Campaign. A total of 21 banks- 6 Public sector banks, 14 Regional Rural Banks and 1 Cooperative Bank were able to achieve the target under the campaign and became the Makers of Excellence. PFRDA has planned to award the Top Management of the winning banks at the upcoming PFRDA Pension Conclave in national capital.

The winning Banks and their performance is as below:

S. No.	Name of the APY Service Provider	Category	Number of Branches	Minimum No. of Funded Accounts to be Sourced under Makers of Excellence Campaign	Actual No. of Funded Accounts Sourced under Makers of Excellence Campaign	Remarks (Qualified /Not Qualified
1	CANARA BANK	PSU	6,050	35,000	101,669	Qualified
2	INDIAN BANK	PSU	2,588	15,000	76,823	Qualified
3	ANDHRA BANK	PSU	2,903	15,000	57,315	Qualified
4	BANK OF BARODA	PSU	5,460	30,000	42,665	Qualified
5	ALLAHABAD BANK	PSU	3,143	20,000	30,029	Qualified
6	VIJAYA BANK	PSU	1,603	10,000	28,241	Qualified
7	GRAMIN BANK OF ARYAVART	RRB	700	3,500	5,915	Qualified
8	MADHYA BIHAR GRAMIN BANK	RRB	698	3,490	5,507	Qualified
9	PRAGATHI KRISHNA GRAMIN BANK	RRB	650	3,250	5,383	Qualified
10	PRATHAMA BANK	RRB	412	2,060	5,288	Qualified
11	BARODA UTTAR PRADESH GRAMIN BANK	RRB	924	4,620	5,125	Qualified
12	ANDHRA PRADESH GRAMEENA VIKAS BANK	RRB	768	3,840	4,893	Qualified
13	BARODA RAJASTHAN KSHETRIYA GRAMIN BANK	RRB	819	4,095	4,560	Qualified
14	PURVANCHAL BANK	RRB	570	2,850	3,368	Qualified
15	KAVERI GRAMEENA BANK	RRB	497	2,485	2,942	Qualified
16	DENA GUJARAT GRAMIN BANK	RRB	234	1,170	2,322	Qualified
17	BIHAR GRAMIN BANK	RRB	376	1,880	2,258	Qualified
18	CHAITANYA GODAVARI GRAMEENA BANK	RRB	203	1,015	1,714	Qualified
19	PALLAVAN GRAMA BANK	RRB	256	1,280	1,431	Qualified
20	SAPTAGIRI GRAMEENA BANK	RRB	207	1,035	1,074	Qualified
21	THE BEGUSARAI CENTRAL COOPERATIVE BANK LTD	DCCB	9	45	113	Qualified

The APY scheme became operational from 1st June, 2015 and is available to all citizens of India in the age group of 18-40 years. Under the Scheme, a subscriber would receive a minimum guaranteed pension of Rs.1000 to Rs.5000 per month, depending upon his contribution, from the age of 60 years. The same pension would be paid to the spouse of the subscriber and on the demise of both the subscriber and spouse, the accumulated pension wealth is returned to the nominee.

The APY Scheme follows the same investment pattern as applicable to the NPS contribution of Central Govt employees. During the year 2016-17, it has earned a return of 13.91%.
The number of current APY Subscribers has crossed 86 lacs mark. The yearly addition in APY enrollment is provided below:

APY Subscriber Addition (In Lacs)
Year	2015-16	2016-17	2017-18( till 13thFeb 2018)	Total
No of Subscribers ( lacs)	24.84	23.99	37.63	86.46

PIB

Ministry of Railways Announces one of the World's Largest Recruitment Drive

Ministry of Railways Announces one of the World's Largest Recruitment Drive.

Online Applications are invited around 90,000 posts in Group C Level I (Erstwhile Group D) like Track maintainer, Points man, Helper, Gateman, Porter and Group C Level II categories like Assistant Loco Pilots (ALP), Technicians (Fitter, Crane Driver, Blacksmith, Carpenter) through Railway Recruitment Boards websites.
Largest Computer based test in the World is scheduled tentatively in April - May 2018.
Educational Qualifications for various posts are class Xth passed & Industrial Training Institute certificate (ITI).
Selection procedure only includes Computer Based Test without Interviews.

15 FEB 2018

Ministry of Railways has announced one of the world's largest recruitment processes for 89409 posts in Group C Level I (Erstwhile Group D) & Level II Categories. Online applications have been invited for the Group C Level II posts like Assistant Loco Pilots, Technicians (Fitter, Crane Driver, Blacksmith, and Carpenter) and Group C Level I (Erstwhile Group D) posts like Track maintainer, Points man, Helper, Gateman, Porter. This recruitment drive is open for candidates who have passed Class Xth & ITI for Group C Level I posts & Class Xth & ITI or diploma in engineering or a graduation in engineering for Group C Level II posts like Assistant Loco Pilots, Technicians and aspire to join Indian Railways.

Ministry of Railways has published a notification no. CEN 01/2018 for Group C Level II Categories posts for the candidates in the age group of 18-28 years who have passed Class X and have an industrial training certificate (ITI) or diploma in engineering or a graduation in engineering.

The notification no. CEN 02/2018 about Group C Level I (Erstwhile Group D) posts for candidates in the age group of 18-31 years and who have passed Class X and have an industrial training certificate (ITI). The notifications have already been uploaded on RRB Websites. The link of the website is as follows:

http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,4,1244

For Group C level II posts, the monthly salary along with allowances as per the Seventh Pay Commission (level 2) Scale (19,900-63,200) will be given to the selected candidates. For Group C Level I (Erstwhile Group D) posts, the monthly salary along with allowances as per the Seventh Pay Commission (level 1) Scale (18,000- 56,900) will be given to the selected candidates. Applications for Group C Level II posts will be accepted till 5th March 2018 & for Group C Level I (Erstwhile Group D) posts will be accepted till 12th March 2018.

Free Sleeper Class Railway Pass facility shall be available for SC/ST candidates for Computer Based Aptitude Tests, Physical Efficiency Tests, Document verification during the recruitment stages

IMPORTANT DATES:

Railway Recruitment Group C Level II Notification	February 3, 2018
Start of Railway Recruitment Group C Level II 2018 Online Application	February 3, 2018
Application Closes	March 5, 2018
Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBT) tentatively	April- May, 2018
Railway Recruitment Group C Level I 2018 Notification	February 10, 2018
Start of Railway Recruitment Group C Level I 2018 Online Application	February 10, 2018
Railway Recruitment Group C Level I 2018 Application Form Closes	March 12, 2018
Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBT) tentatively	During April and May, 2018

VACANCY DETAILS FOR GROUP C Level II POSTS

VACANCY DETAILS FOR GROUP C Level I (Erstwhile Group D) POSTS

PIB

UJALA - Unnat Jyoti By Affordable LEDs for All : FAQ

UJALA - Unnat Jyoti By Affordable LEDs for All : FAQ

1. What is the UJALA scheme?

Hon'ble Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi described the LED bulb as "Prakash Path" - "way to light". A simple act of change of one light bulb to LED at South Block Prime Minister's office heralded a movement in the entire country for considering the same change. The initiative is part of the Government of India's efforts to spread the message of energy efficiency in the country. UJALA scheme aims to promote efficient use of energy at the residential level; enhance the awareness of consumers about the efficacy of using energy efficient appliances and aggregating demand to reduce the high initial costs thus facilitating higher uptake of LED lights by residential users. It may be noted that the scheme was initially labelled DELP (Domestic Efficient Lighting Program) and was relaunched as UJALA.

2. Who is eligible to get LEDs under the UJALA scheme and what are the requirements to purchase the LEDs?

Every domestic household having a metered connection from their respective Electricity Distribution Company is eligible to get the LED bulbs under the UJALA Scheme.The consumer can purchase the LED on EMI payment (monthly/bimonthly instalments in electricity bill) or on upfront payment by paying the full amount. The consumer needs to carry the following documents to get the UJALA LED bulb:

1) For EMI - Copy of latest electricity bill and copy of Government authorized ID proof

2) For Upfront - Copy of Government authorized ID proof.

3. Where and how can the LED bulb be procured?

UJALA LED bulbs are being distributed through special counters (kiosks) set up at designated places in a city. These will not be available at retail stores. The location details of distributioncounters is available at www.ujala.gov.in, wherein the locations are geo-tagged for consumer convenience.

4. What is the price of LED bulbs?

UJALA appliances can be purchased at Rs 70 per LED bulb, Rs 220 per LED tubelight and Rs 1200 per Fan. The price of appliances consist of component such as price of bulb, distribution, awareness cost, which is discovered through competitive bidding, Annual Maintenance Cost (AMC), cost of capital and administrative costs.

5. What if the LED bulb fuses? Is there any warranty?

If the LED bulb stops working due to a technical defects, EESL provides free-of-cost replacements for a period of three years. All replacements are done through designated replacement/ distribution kiosks as mentioned on www.ujala.gov.in. During the distribution period these LEDs can be replaced from any of the UJALA kiosks. Post distribution, there are state specific replacement drives that will indicate the retails shops/locations where replacement will be available.

6. Where can I register my complaints?

There are 4 types of redressal mechanisms available to the consumer:

1) Complaints during distribution can be addressed at our distribution agency’s customer care centre number which is publicised in our advertisements and awareness drives. EESL has ensured that a toll-free helpline number, corresponding to the manufacturer, is printed on the UJALA LED bulb box as well as the consent deed (payment receipt).Once the duration of the distribution is over the consumers can contact the respective manufacturer via these helpline numbers and seek replacement of the bulb. The respective manufacturer will guide the consumer to the nearest retail outlet, at which the bulbs with technical flaws can be replaced

2) EESL maintains a robust social media response system, where users can Tweet their complaint to EESL's Twitter handle @EESL_India.

3) A detailed email with description and contact details may also be sent to info@eesl.co.in.

4) UJALA Dashboard (www.ujala.gov.in) also has a complaint/ grievance resolution tab on the top right. Consumers are free to lodge their concerns on this platform.All complaints are usually addressed within 48 hours of receipt and a satisfactory resolution follows.

7. What does white and blue colour represent on the UJALA dashboard?

The blue colour indicates stateswhere UJALA distribution scheme has been launched and opened up to the consumers. The white colour indicates the states where the scheme is still in process of being implemented. UJALA being a government scheme has to follow stringent protocolsbefore it is launched in any state.

Source: www.ujala.gov.in

Skill India Initiative by Ministry of Railways - Training of Apprentices

Skill India Initiative by Ministry of Railways - Training of Apprentices

Targets training of 30 thousand Apprentices in its 16 Zonal Units and 7 Production Units

13 FEB 2018

As part of Skill India initiative, Ministry of Railways has been contributing in a big way to provide training to Apprentices in various disciplines training in categories like Fitter, Turner, Machinist, Welder, Painter, Carpenter, Electrician, Refrigerator and AC Mechanic, Mechanic (Motor Vehicle/Diesel) etc., since long. Ministry of Railways has kept a target of training of 30 thousand Apprentices in its 16 Zonal Units and 7 Production Units.

For the year 2017-18, about 26,000 training slots for Apprenticeship training have been notified. This is in addition to over 4000 persons already undergoing training in various establishments. An Employment Notification has been issued earlier in the week for recruitment of 62,907 staff in Level 1 pay scale and out of these, apprentices trained in Railway establishments will be given preference to the tune of over 12,000 vacancies which is in line with the recent amendments made in the Apprentices Act, 1961

With a large set up of Workshops and Production Units, Indian Railways has been in the forefront of implementation of the Apprentices Act, 1961. Railway Workshops have been imparting Apprentices. A large number of Apprentices were turned out from these Workshops and Production Units every year who were certified and granted the NCVT (National Council for Vocational Training) Certificate, making them employable for jobs in industry as well as for posts in Railways. In this way, the Indian Railways is contributing to Skill India.

Railway recognizes that skill development of the labour force is an important component of development of Human Resources. It is crucial for the industrial development of the country. Skill training imparted through formal institutions alone is not sufficient to make the labour force fully skilled. This needs to be supplemented by training in the actual work place.

Apprentices’ Training consists of Basic Training and On-the-Job Training/Practical Training at workplace. Basic training is an essential component of apprenticeship training for those who have not undergone any institutional training/skill before taking up on-the-job training/practical training. It counts for 20-30% of overall duration of Apprenticeship Training. The component of on-the-job training is performed and undertaken in the establishment itself.

PIB

Disability pension and compensation to ex servicemen and cadets

Disability pension and compensation to ex servicemen and cadets

Disability Pension in cases of invalidment is granted to Armed Forces Personnel irrespective of qualifying service rendered which consists of service element and disability element. Armed Forces personnel who are retired / discharged with disability which is attributable to or aggravated by military service are also allowed disability element in addition to their service / retiring pension. With effect from 01.01.2006, the Disability Element is paid based on 30% of last emoluments drawn for 100% disability which is reduced pro-rata for lower percentages of disability.

Benefit of broad banding of percentage of disability was earlier allowed only for those invalided out from service. However, vide Ministry of Defence orders dated 4th and 5th September, 2017 the benefit of broad banding of percentage of disability has been extended to cases of retirement / discharge from service with disability of 20% or more.

Cadets during the entire duration of training in service academies i.e. during training period of Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA) are entitled to stipend. The period of training is not treated as Commissioned Service. Cadets are not entitled to Disability Pension.

The scheme for grant of monthly ex-gratia awards in cases of death / disablement of Cadets (Direct) due to causes attributable to or aggravated by Military Training was introduced vide Ministry of Defence letter dated 16.04.1996 which was applicable with effect from 01.01.1986. Rates of Ex-gratia awards have been revised by each Pay Commission. The rates notified vide Ministry of Defence letter dated 04.09.2017, are as follows:-

In case of disablement:-

Monthly Ex-gratia amount: Rs.9,000/-pm.
Monthly Ex-gratia disability award: Rs.16,200/-pm for 100% disability, subject to pro-rata reduction for lower percentages of disability.

Constant Attendance Allowance: Rs.6,750/-pm, if applicable.

In case of death:-

Monthly Ex-gratia amount: Rs.9,000/-pm.
Ex-gratia lump sum compensation: Rs.12.5 lakhs.

7th CPC: Revision of provisional pension sanctioned under Rule 69 of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972

7th CPC: Revision of provisional pension sanctioned under Rule 69 of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972

No. 38/49/ 16 - P&PW (A)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions
Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan
Khan Market, New Delhi
Dated the 12th February, 2018

Office Memorandum

Sub: - Revision of provisional pension sanctioned under Rule 69 of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972

The undersigned is directed to say that in implementation of the decision taken on the recommendations of the 7th CPC, orders were issued vide this Departments' OM No. 38/37/2016- P&PW(A) (ii) dated 04.08.2016 for revision of pension of pre-20 16 pensioners/family pensioners w.e.f 01.01.20 16 by multiplying the pre-revised pension/ family pension by a factor of 2.57.
Subsequently, vide OM No. 38/37/20 16-P&I'W(A) dated 12.05.2017, it has been decided that the pension/family pension of all Central civil pensioners/ family pensioners, who retired/died prior to 01.01.2016, may be revised w.e.f. 01.01.20 16 by notionally fixing their pay in the pay matrix
recommended by the 7th CPC in the level corresponding to the pay in the pay scale/pay band and grade pay at which they retired/died.

2. Instructions were issued vide this Department's OM of even number dated 30.11.2016 for extending the benefit of OM dated 4.8.2016 to the following categories of pensioners drawing provisional pension under Rule-69 of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972.

(i) Retired before 1.1.2016 and sanctioned provisional pension under Rule-69 of the CCS (Pension) Rules on account of departmental/ judicial proceedings or suspension.

(ii) Suspended before 1.1.2016 and sanctioned provisional pension, based on their pre revised pay under Rule-69 of the CCS (Pension) Rules on retirement on or after
1. 1.2016.

3. It has now been decided that provisional pension sanctioned in the above cases may be revised w.e.f. 1. 1.2016 in accordance with the instructions contained in this Department's OM No.38/37/2016-P&PW(A) dated 12th May, 2017. Higher of the two formulations i.e. OM dated 4.8.2016 or OM dated 12.5 .2017 would be the revised provisional pension w.e.r. 1.1.2016 in such cases.
4. This issues with the approval of Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance lD No.I(21 )/E-V/2016 dated 15.01.2018

5. Hindi version will Follow.
Enc. a.a.

(Harjit Singh)
Director

To
All Ministries/Departments as per standard list attached.

Download Government Order

7th Central Pay Commission (7CPC) - Revision of Disability/ War Injury pension for Pre-01.01.2016 Defence Forces pensioners - PCDA Circular No.596

7th Central Pay Commission (7CPC) - Revision of Disability/ War Injury pension for Pre-01.01.2016 Defence Forces pensioners - PCDA Circular No.596

Circular No. 596

Dated: 09th February, 2018

To,
1. The Chief Accountant, RBI, Deptt. Of Govt. Bank Accounts, Central office C-7, Second Floor, Bandre- Kurla Complex, P B No. 8143, Bandre East Mumbai- 400051
2. All CMDs, Public Sector Banks including IDBI Bank
3. Nodal Officers, ICICl/ HDFC/ AXIS/ IDBI Banks
4. Managers, All CPPCs
5. Military and Air Attache, Indian Embassy, Kathmandu, Nepal
6. The PCDA (WC), Chandigarh
7. The CDA (PD), Meerut
8. The CDA, Chennai
9. The Director of Treasuries, All States
10. The Pay and Accounts Officer, Delhi Administration, RK Puram and Tis Hazari, New Delhi
11. The Pay and Accounts Office, Govt of Maharashtra, Mumbai
12. The Post Master Kathua (J&K)
13. The Post Master Camp Bell Bay
14. The Pr. Pay and Accounts Officer, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Port Blair

Subject: Implementation of Government decision on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC)- Revision of Disability/ War Injury pension for Pre-01.01.2016 Defence Forces pensioners reg.

Reference: This office Circular No. 570 dated 31.10.2016, Circular No. 582 dated 05.09.2017 and Circular No. 585 dated 21.09.2017.

(Available on this office website www.pcdapension.nic.in)

Copy of GOI, MOD letter No. 17(01)/2017(01)/D(Pen/Policy) dated 23rd January, 2018 on the above subject, which is self-explanatory, is forwarded herewith for further necessary action at your end.

2. In terms of Para-2 of GOI, MOD letter No. 17(01)/2017(01)/D(Pension/ Policy) dated 04th September,2017, Disability Element of Disability Pension to Armed Forces Pensioners has to be revised by multiplying the existing rate of Disability Element as had been drawn on 31.12.2015 by factor of 2.57 to arrive at revised rate of Disability Element as on 01.01.2016. Further, in terms of Para-5.2 & 5.3 of GOI, MOD letter No. 17(01)/2017(02)/D(Pension/Policy) dated 05th September' 2017, Disability Pensionary awards has to be revised on notional pay fixation method and benefits of broad banding will be given to discharge cases also as in invalided out cases and these will be done by issuing Corrigendum Pension Payment Order (PPO).

3. Now, consequent upon the issue of GOI, MOD letter dated 23rd January, 2018, the cases where Armed Forces Pensioners who were retired/ discharged voluntary or otherwise with disability and they were in receipt of Disability/ War Injury Element as on 31.12.2015, their extent of disability/ War Injury Element shall be re-computed in the following manner given below, before applying the multiplication factor of 2.57 on existing disability/ war injury element as on 31.12.2015 for getting the revised disability/ war injury element as on 01.01.2016 in accordance to Para-2 of GOI, MOD letter No. 17(01)/2017(01)/D(Pension/ Policy) dated 04th September' 2017.

Accepted percentage of disability	Percentage to be reckoned for computation of Disability Element
20% or more but less than 50%	50%
Between 50% to 75%	75%
Between 76% to 100%	100%

4. The Note below Para-12 of GOI, MOD letter No. 17(01)/2016-D(Pen/Pol) dated 29th October, 2016 (circulated vide Circular No. 570 dated 31.10.2016) stands deleted. In other words, quantum of additional pension available to old age pensioners after attaining the age of 80 years and above shall also be admissible on revised disability/ war injury element.

5. It is also stated that PDAs may take utmost care during revision of Disability/War Injury Element as per this order in those cases where the pensioners who are in receipt of 50% of Disability/ War Injury Element of Disability/ War Injury Pension. If the individual has already been given rounding of benefit through PPO (in invalided out cases) then rounding of benefit in such cases should not be given. However, where his disability was assessed as 50% in discharge cases then it will be rounded to 75% as mentioned in Para-3 above. If the PDAs found any problem regarding identification of such cases the same may please be forwarded to Audit Section of this office.

6. All Pension Disbursing Agencies handling disbursement of pension to the Defence Pensioner are hereby authorized to pay benefit of rounding off disability/ war injury and additional pension as per Para 3 & 5 above without any further authorization from the concerned Pension Sanctioning Authorities.

7. Provisions of GOI, MOD letter No. 17(01)/2017(01)/D(Pen/Policy) dated 23rd January, 2018 shall take effect from 01.01.2016.

8. This circular has been uploaded on this office website www.pcdapension.nic.in for dissemination to all alongwith Defence pensioners and Pension Disbursing Agencies.

S/d,
Dy. Controller(P)

Source : PCDA

Sexual Harassment of Women at Work Place - Lok Sabha Q&A

Sexual Harassment of Women at Work Place - Lok Sabha Q&A

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 1173

ANSWERED ON:09.02.2018

Sexual Harassment of Women at Work Place

SUSHMITA DEV

(a) whether the number of complaints of sexual harassment of women at work places has increased in the country over the years;
(b) if so, the details thereof indicating the number of complaints received by the National Commission for Women (NCW) during each of the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise;
(c) whether the Government has also launched SHe-Box online complaint management system to register complaints related to sexual harassment of women at work place and if so, the number of complaints registered in the system during the said period along with the action taken thereon;
(d) whether the NCW has stressed for setting up of an Internal Complaint Committee in each and every Government department/institution/ autonomous body in the country and if so, the details along with the compliance status thereof;
(e) the details of laws presently in force under which the complaints regarding sexual harassment of women at work places could be registered in the country; and
(f) the other steps taken/being taken by the Government to ensure protection of women from sexual harassment at work places in the country?

Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENTbe pleased to state:-

ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (DR. VIRENDRA KUMAR)

(a) & (b) The details of number of complaints registered under the category of Sexual Harassment at Workplace, State/UT wise during last three years and current year i.e. 2015,2016, 2017 and 2018 (upto 5.2.2018) is at Annexure-I.

(c) In order to ensure the effective implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, the Ministry has launched an online complaint management system titled Sexual Harassment electronic - Box (SHe-Box) for registering complaints related to sexual harassment at workplace of all women employees in the country, including government and private employees. So far, 107 complaints have been received through portal "SHe-box". All concerned authorities have been requested for appropriate resolution.

(d) & (e)The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 mandates all the workplace which include any department, organisation, undertaking, establishment, enterprise, institution, office, branch or unit which is established, owned, controlled or wholly or substantially financed by funds provided directly or indirectly by the appropriate Government or the local authority or a Government company or a corporation or a co-operative society having more than 10 workers to constitute Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) for receiving complaints of sexual harassment.The Act cast an obligation upon all the employers to constitute Internal Complaint Committee. Section 23 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 casts responsibility on the appropriate Government to monitor the implementation of this Act.

(f) Ministry of Women and Child Development had issued advisories to all States/UTs Government to ensure effective implementation of the Act. The Ministries/Departments in Government of India have also been advised to ensure the compliance of the Act from time to time.Ministry of Corporate Affairs along with the industry bodies, Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Confederation of Indian Society, Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCI), and National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) have also been requested to ensure effective implementation of the Act amongst their members in private sectors.

Further, Department of Personnel and Training has notified the amendments to Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules 1964 and Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965 align with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013.

Ministry of Women and Child Development has formulated a Handbook on Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The Institute of Secretariat Training and Management (ISTM) in consultation of Ministry of Women and Child Development has also prepared a training module for the training of Internal Complaint Committee constituted under Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
Apart from the above, the Ministry has empanelled Institutes/Organizations for imparting training programmes/workshops in different parts of the country under Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

Source:  Lok Sabha

Poor Condition of CGHS Dispensaries - Lok Sabha Q&A

Poor Condition of CGHS Dispensaries - Lok Sabha Q&A

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 1236
ANSWERED ON:09.02.2018

Poor Condition of CGHS Dispensaries

Tejpratap Singh,Yadav
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware of poor functioning of CGHS dispensaries due to malfunctioning of server, depleted strength and absence of doctors/staff, discontinuation of visit of Medical specialist, lack of infrastructure and nonavailability of medicines daily, long queue of patients, working of dispensaries in rented building etc. and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government has received a number of such complaints regarding poor functioning of CGHS in the country including Delhi;

(c) if so, the details thereof, dispensary-wise along with the action taken by the Government on such complaints so far during the last three years;

(d) whether the Government has ever conducted any enquiry/ audit/ study on the functioning of CGHS facility in the country and if so, the details and outcome thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(e) the other steps taken by the Government to improve the functioning of CGHS in the country?
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)

(a): Yes; problems of breakdown of internet connectivity, shortage of manpower including Doctors/Staff, some CGHS Dispensaries working in rented buildings etc. have been brought to the notice of CGHS.

(b) & (c): Information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.

(d) No, Regular inspection of CGHS Wellness Centres is undertaken by all the Additional Directors of concerned CGHS cities, therefore, the need of separate study was not felt.

(e) Following steps have been taken to improve the functioning of CGHS in the country:-

(i) Govt. has recently permitted CGHS beneficiaries to avail OPD consultation from Specialists at CGHS empanelled Hospitals.

(ii) The requirement of separate permission letter for taking treatment at empanelled hospitals has been done away with once a specific treatment procedure has been advised by a Govt. Specialist/CGHS Doctor.

(iii) Provision for self-printing of CGHS cards by CGHS beneficiaries after it has been verified by Additional Director of concerned CGHS city has been made.

(iv) CGHS beneficiaries also have the option to avail online appointment system for consulting a CGHS Doctor and they can reach the Wellness Centre a little before the scheduled appointment and avoid standing in a queue.

(v) Orders have been issued for special facilities for CGHS beneficiaries aged 80 and above. They need not stand in a queue and their medical claims shall be processed on priority.

(vi) Provision for online transfer of CGHS cards of serving employees has been made in case of transfer to other CGHS covered cities without surrendering the card.

(vii) CGHS beneficiaries have the option to avail facilities from any CGHS Wellness Centre in the Country.

(viii) CGHS beneficiaries have the option to obtain medicines upto 3 months in case of chronic illness.

(ix) Data cards for internet access have been provided to CMO I/c of CGHS Wellness Centres to manage during breakdown of net connectivity.

Source : Lok Sabha

Government of India makes Amendments in Small Savings Act

Ministry of Finance
Government of India makes Amendments in Small Savings Act

Proposes merger of Government Savings Certificates Act, 1959 and Public Provident Fund Act, 1968 with the Government Savings Banks Act, 1873;

All existing protections have been retained while consolidating PPF Act under the proposed Government Savings Promotion Act.​ ​

Posted On: 13 FEB 2018

The Government gives highest priority to the interest of small savers, especially savings for the benefit of girl child, the senior citizens and the regular savers who form the backbone of our country’s savings architecture. In order to remove existing ambiguities due to multiple Acts and rules for Small Saving Schemes and further strengthen the objective of "Minimum Government, Maximum Governance", Government of India has proposed merger of Government Savings Certificates Act, 1959 and Public Provident Fund Act, 1968 with the Government Savings Banks Act, 1873. With a single act, relevant provisions of the Government Savings Certificates (NSC) Act, 1959 and the Public Provident Fund Act, 1968 would stand subsumed in the new amended Act without compromising on any of the functional provision of the existing Act.

 All existing protections have been retained while consolidating PPF Act under the proposed Government Savings Promotion Act. No existing benefits to depositors are proposed to be taken away through this process. The main objective in proposing a common Act is to make implementation easier for the depositors as they need not go through different rules and Acts for understanding the provision of various small saving schemes, and also to introduce certain flexibilities for the investors.

However, concerns have been raised from different corners and also by print and social media that the Government aims to bring down the protection against the attachment of Public Provident Fund Account under any decree or order of any court in respect of any debt or liability incurred by the depositors. It is made clear that there is no proposal to withdraw the said provision and the existing and future depositors will continue to enjoy protection from the attachment under the amended umbrella Act as well.

Apart from ensuring existing benefits, certain new benefits to the depositors have been proposed under the bill. These are:

• As per PPF Act, the PPF account can’t be closed prematurely before completion of five financial years. If depositor wants to close PPF account before five years in exigencies, he can’t close the account. To make provisions for premature closure easier in respect of all schemes, provisions could now be made through specific scheme notification. The benefits of premature closure of Small Savings Schemes may now be introduced to deal with medical emergencies, higher education needs, etc.
• Investment in Small Savings Schemes can be made by Guardian on behalf of minor(s) under the provisions made in the proposed bill Guardian may also be given associated rights and responsibilities.
• There was no clear provision earlier regarding deposit by minors in the existing Acts. The provision has been made now to promote culture of savings among children.
• There were no clear provisions in all the three Acts for the operation of accounts in the name of physically infirm and differently abled persons. Provisions in this regard have now been made.
• As per existing provisions of the Acts, if depositor dies and nomination exists, the outstanding balances will be paid to nominee(s). Whereas, Hon’ble Supreme Court in its judgement stated that nominee(s) is merely empowered to collect the amounts as Trustee for the benefit of legal heirs. It was creating disputes between the provisions of the Acts and verdict of Supreme Court. Hence, right of nominees have now been more clearly defined.
• In the existing Acts, there is no provision for nomination with regard to account opened in the name of minor. Further, existing Acts say that if account holder dies and there is no nomination and amount is more than prescribed limit, the amount shall be paid to legal heirs.  In this case, the guardian has to obtain succession certificate. To remove this inconvenience, provisions for nomination with regard to account opened in the name of minors have been incorporated. Further the provision has been made that if the minor dies and there is no nomination, the balances shall be paid to guardian.
• The existing Acts are silent about grievance redressal. The amended Act allows the Government to put in place mechanism for redressal of grievances and for amicable and expeditious settlement of disputes relating to Small Savings.
• The above provisions which are proposed to be incorporated in the amended Act will add to the flexibility in operation of the Account under Small Savings Schemes.

Apart from offering higher interest rates compared to bank deposits, some of the small savings schemes also enjoy income tax benefits. No change in interest rate or tax policy on small savings scheme is being made through this amendment.


Apprehension that certain Small Savings Schemes would be closed is also without basis.

PIB